Los Altos Municipal Code Art. 4 Building Sewer, Lateral Sewers, and Connections

In accordance with Article 5 of this chapter, no person shall construct a building sewer, lateral sewer or make a connection with any public sewer without first obtaining a written permit from the city and paying all fees and connection charges as required therein.

(Prior code § 5-5.501)

Construction of building sewers and lateral sewers shall be in accordance with the requirements of the county and the requirements of the city. In case of conflict, the more stringent shall apply.

(Prior code § 5-5.502)

The minimum size of a building sewer shall be four inches in diameter. The minimum slope of a building sewer shall be one and one-quarter feet per one hundred (100) feet (1.25 percent slope). Not more than one hundred eighty (180) fixture units shall be connected to a four inch diameter building or side sewer.

(Prior code § 5-5.503)

Adjacent buildings fronting on the same street shall not be permitted to join in the use of the same side sewer. Every building or industrial facility must be separately connected with a public sewer if such public sewer exists in the street upon which the property abuts or in an easement which will serve said property. However, one or more buildings located on property belonging to the same owner may be served with the same side sewer during the period of said ownership. Upon the subsequent subdivision and sale of a portion of said lot, the portion not directly connected with such public sewer shall be separately connected with a public sewer, and it shall be unlawful for the owner thereof to continue to use or maintain such indirect connection.

(Prior code § 5-5.504)

Old building sewers may be used in connection with new buildings only when they are found, upon examination and test by the superintendent, to meet all requirements of the city.

(Prior code § 5-5.505)

A.

Cleanouts in building sewers shall be provided where the building sewer joins the lateral sewer and in accordance with the rules, regulations and laws of the city. All cleanouts shall be maintained watertight.

B.

A sewer cleanout box shall be installed directly above the cleanout, the top of the cleanout box being set flush with the existing ground surface. The cleanout box shall be of a type approved by the city engineer and in accordance with the rules, regulations and laws of the city.

(Prior code § 5-5.506)

In all buildings in which any building sewer is too low to permit gravity flow to the public sewer, sanitary sewage carried by such building sewer shall be lifted by artificial means, approved by the superintendent, and discharged to the public sewer at the expense of the owner.

(Prior code § 5-5.507)

The connection of the building sewer into the public sewer shall be made at the lateral or "Y" branch if such lateral or "Y" branch is available at the suitable location. Where no properly located "Y" branch is available, a neat hole may be cut into the public sewer to receive the building or lateral sewer, with entry in the downstream direction at an angle of about forty-five (45) degrees. A Wye saddle shall be used for the connection and in no case shall the pipe protrude inside the main sewer. The invert of the building or lateral sewer at the point of connection shall be at a higher elevation than the invert of the public sewer. A smooth, neat joint shall be made, and the connection made secure and watertight by encasement in concrete. The connection to the public sewer shall be made in the presence of the superintendent and under his supervision and direction. Any damage to the public sewer shall be repaired at the cost of the applicant to the satisfaction of the superintendent.

(Prior code § 5-5.508)

All excavations for a side sewer installation shall be adequately guarded with barricades or lights so as to protect the public from hazard. Streets, sidewalks, parkways and other property disturbed in the course of the work shall be restored in a manner satisfactory to the city and the county or any other person having jurisdiction thereover.

(Prior code § 5-5.509)

The city shall be responsible for the reconstruction and repair of all lateral sewers subject to compliance with Section 10.04.250 of this article. The property owner shall be responsible for maintaining the street and house lateral all the way to the main sewer, except for reconstruction and repair. The city shall not be responsible for any plumbing bills whatsoever, except when a street lateral requires reconstruction or repair.

(Prior code § 5-5.510)

All building sewers and lateral sewers shall be tested in the presence of the superintendent by filling the line with water and inspecting for excessive leakage. The fittings, plugs, water, and labor for testing shall be furnished by the person constructing the sewer. All lines showing excessive leakage shall be repaired or replaced at the expense of the person doing the work and shall be done at the direction of, and to the satisfaction of, the superintendent.

(Prior code § 5-5.511)